Tag Archives: gratitude

Envy is the art of counting the other fellow’s blessings instead of your own

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“Envy is the art of counting the other fellow’s blessings instead of your own.”

—Harold Coffin, 20th century humor columnist for the Associated Press

My Dad — Marvin Demp

A week from today will be the second anniversary of my dad’s passing. Not a day goes by without numerous reminders of this wonderful man.

  • He would frequently tell me why he felt like the richest man in the world
  • His wealth was primarily intrinsic and based on the of love for and from family and friends
  • When others were doing well, he always wished them well without a hint of envy
  • He understood and embraced the abundance in his life and he was perpetually grateful

EXERCISE:

Where do you feel blessed in your life?

Where may the heavy clouds of envy prevent you from experiencing the many riches within arm’s reach?

No amount of regret changes the past

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“No amount of regret changes the past, no amount of anxiety changes the future, any amount of gratitude changes the present.”

—Ann Voskamp, Canadian author, blogger, and memoirist

Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan

During the holiday season, many people reflect on their lives. Given our amazing time-traveling minds, we easily bounce between past events and future possibilities.

Narrowing our focus on the here-and-now seems to be a wise choice to make the kind of changes we intend.

Embracing our thankfulness for all the big and small things in our lives can turn even the grayest skies blue.

EXERCISE:

What are some of the wonderful aspects of the present moment?

How can you share your feelings of gratitude with others to change things for the better during the holidays and throughout the new year?

Friday Review: Gratitude

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Friday Review: Gratitude

How have you made gratitude an integral part of your daily life? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

 

“Do you want to be happy? Let go of what’s gone, be grateful for what remains, and look forward to what is coming.”

 

 

 

 

“Nobody notices what you do until you do not do it.”

 

 

 

Make a plan to create and savor more downtime. Discover and experience where less is often more.

 

 

 

 

In Gratitude

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Today is the American Thanksgiving holiday. It is a day in which we express our gratitude for the abundance we enjoy in material things, as well as things that can’t be bought—friends, family, good health, and so much more.

My gratitude goes out to each of you, faithful readers of The Quotable Coach series. I hope you continue to find these messages worthwhile, and that they bring you both motivation and a few nuggets of wisdom.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Veterans Day 2022

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Veterans Day 2022

Image from Unsplash by Sir Manuel

Who among you—or who do you know—who has served in the military? Today is Veteran’s day, a U.S. federal holiday honoring the veterans with us right now. Most of us have celebrated it our entire lives, but it was not originally so.

This holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country’s service in World War I, and was originally called Armistice Day—in honor of the official signing of the Armistice that ended “The War to End all Wars,” at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. In 1954, it was changed to Veterans Day to account for all veterans, in all wars.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has declared “honor” as the theme for the celebrations this year. Honor reflects the military value and tradition of answering the call to duty.

My family and I honor all those across this great land who have served our country, and ask that you will, as well.

EXERCISE:

Who can you reach out today to a friend, neighbor, or family member who has served? Let them know that today you are grateful for them and their service to the country.

Take a moment today to write a Thank-Me note

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Take a moment today to write a Thank-Me note, a conscious expression of gratitude toward yourself.

—Calm App Reflection

Image created in Canva

As a business professional for over 40 years, I’ve come to learn the value of a courteous “Thank You.”

I fully support the idea that we work best with people we know, like, and trust. If your upbringing was like mine, your parents and others strongly encouraged — and most likely exemplified — this grateful gesture throughout their days.

We were always taught to focus on others and not ourselves, and most people learned to place their gratuitous efforts elsewhere.

When we experiment with this idea and flip it around to thank ourselves it feels awkward and a bit narcissistic.

If we ask ourselves objectively who did the work and took the necessary actions to get where we are, we can justifiably pat ourselves on the back and truly appreciate our disciplined efforts.

EXERCISE:

Take out a piece of paper and write a Thank Me note to yourself.

Begin by listing the things you do each day without thinking that serve you in being your best. If you are willing, send a copy of your letter to barry@dempcoaching.com

“The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest.”

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“The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest.”

—William Blake, 19th Century English poet

Image from Unsplash by Kim Turk

How thankful have your felt lately? What are the things you appreciate the most? Try rattling off a list or 10 or even 20 items that come to mind.

Did you have clean water and clean air on your list? How about nutritious food in adequate amounts?  What about having shelter and people who care about you?

Dig a little deeper into your list-making effort to determine your essentials. Notice your level of gratitude for the things many people don’t have or live in fear of going without.

It is puzzling to note many of us focus on what’s missing and our wants for more instead of being truly thankful for what we already have in great abundance.

EXERCISE:

Where and how can you be a far more thankful receiver?

Where and with whom could you be a more generous giver to support others in having a more plentiful harvest?

Being grateful doesn’t have to be some grandiose thing

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Being grateful doesn’t have to be some grandiose thing. Examine little pleasures and let them land in your awareness.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Timo Volz

Take a deeper plunge into your senses today. Note what you are seeing, feeling, hearing, tasting, and smelling.

In just the past few hours I…

  • Saw sunlight reflecting off a lake
  • Felt my soft pillow and cool sheets against my skin
  • Heard the sound of falling rain
  • Tasted my favorite oatmeal on-the-run breakfast
  • Smelled fresh coffee brewing

EXERCISE:

What are some of the little pleasures you experience throughout your day? How can you be even more present and grateful for the blessings we often overlook?

Make a plan to create and savor more downtime. Discover and experience where less is often more.

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Make a plan to create and savor more downtime. Discover and experience where less is often more.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Kelly Sikkema

What will you contemplate or savor during your next downtime?

Learn to press the pause buttons of life, to cherish and savor these quiet moments — reflect and contemplate your life.

Examine the richness and abundance all around you, and develop an attitude of profound gratitude for the wondrous miracles that surround us.

When we unplug and pause, new things begin.

EXERCISE:

What will you do to carve out more downtime in the days ahead?

How can you more fully experience pauses in your days to savor the richness and beauty of these special moments?